History and images have been compiled from various sources including, among others, the 1987 National Register of Historic Places, Stack & Beasley's 1902 Sketches of Monroe and Union County, Union County Public Library (Patricia Poland, Genealogy & Local History Librarian), the Heritage Room Photo Collection, North Carolina Map Collection, Rootsweb - An Ancestry.com Community and Ancestry.com family histories.

L.R. Helms

Leonidas Randolph Helms

Sketches of Monroe and Union County1902 Stack & Beasley

"Alderman L.R. Helms is a member of the firm of L.R. Helms & Co., doing a general grocery business. He lived on his farm until 1884, when he began teaching school and taught for several years. In 1889 he engaged in the drug business in Monroe. In 1892 he began the present business, on the corner of Windsor and Lafayette [Main] streets and has built up a nice trade. He is attentive to business, public or private, and is as honest as Cato. Many matter of responsibility and trust have been committed to him and in every instance his conduct has been according to the letter of the law. In May 1901, Mr. Helms was elected an alderman of the city and has made a conscientious public servant. He is the kind of man that elevates the public service."Family Research

Leonidas Randolph Helms was born in Anson County 26 Oct 1858 to Joseph Calvin Helms (born Anson C.1830-1865) and Frances Ann McLarty (1838-1915). Joseph was son of Israel Helms (born Anson 1800-1873) and Frances "Fanny" Sikes. Israel Helms was son of George Helms Jr. (born Anson 1758-1838) and Sarah Presley. George Helms Jr. was son of George Sr. (1720-1800), believed to be son of John Isaac Helms (1690-1760) possibly born Bucks County, PA, and died in Anson County. John Isaac Helms may have been the son of Thomas Helme (1665-1711).

Great-great grandfather George Helms may have come from Bethlehem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania to North Carolina with brothers Tilman and Jonathan. A grant was issued to Jonathan 4 April 1750 in Anson County, North Carolina. Jonathan, George and Tilman were listed together on the 1763 Tax List of Anson County.